Rating the Bucs 2025 Free Agent Priorities

With NFL free company proper across the nook, the Buccaneers don’t have many unrestricted free brokers to fret about, however there are a couple of who performed key roles for the group in 2024 and a few have been fundamental stays for a very long time.

Let’s have a look and rank who the Bucs ought to prioritize re-signing.

5. Defensive Lineman, Greg Gaines

Gaines simply wrapped up his second season with Tampa Bay after signing as a free agent within the 2023 offseason. Gaines appeared in 15 video games this previous season and began three of them, totaling 17 mixed tackles and a sack. Gaines is strong depth and that’s one thing you may by no means have sufficient of.

The quickly to be 29 yr previous additionally has familiarity with the system. So long as the fee is true, which it probably gained’t be very excessive, Gaines ought to get some consideration to be introduced again.

4. Exterior Linebacker, Anthony Nelson

A former fourth spherical choose by Tampa Bay in 2019, Nelson has been a strong position participant for the group ever since. The Bucs even re-signed him as soon as earlier than in 2023. Now Nelson is scheduled to be a free agent as soon as once more and the Bucs have a choice to make.

Nelson began six video games this previous season for the Bucs and had 4 sacks. He has been a rotational move rusher for Tampa Bay and has had 40 mixed tackles in every of the final two seasons. It wouldn’t be a shock if Nelson had been introduced again, nevertheless it may be time for either side to maneuver on. Regardless, he’s a strong participant who has made performs prior to now for the Bucs.

3. Guard, Ben Bredeson

Tampa Bay went cut price purchasing in free company in 2024 and ended up discovering their beginning left guard for the season. After signing with the Bucs on a one yr deal coming over from the New York Giants, Bredeson gained the beginning guard job out of coaching camp and by no means appeared again.

Was he excellent? No, however he was a total good addition to the group and a pleasant discover by the entrance workplace. Bredeson might find yourself getting a little bit of a elevate available on the market and will probably be attention-grabbing to see if the Bucs can convey him again. Could in the end depend upon the value and size of the deal, however I believe the Bucs make a legit effort to convey Bredeson again into the fold.

2. Inside Linebacker, Lavonte David

Now we get to the primary of the 2 large ones, however this explicit one has one other query as nicely. First off, will Lavonte David even return to play soccer in 2025? The 35 yr previous may very nicely grasp it up after 13 seasons. David nonetheless performed at a excessive degree in 2024, however did present some indicators of slowing down, significantly in move protection. That being stated, David is the center of soul of not simply the protection, however your complete group. Him retiring could be an enormous blow to the Bucs and their protection.

Photograph by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Photos

Nonetheless if he does resolve to proceed enjoying in 2025, it positive looks as if will probably be Tampa or retirement. Not that he gained’t have a market, however David seems like a Buccaneer for all times. Regardless, the Bucs ought to make him a precedence even when he makes it clear he desires to return to Tampa and Tampa solely. A legendary participant deserves the best to complete his profession the place it began all with the identical group.

1. Broad Receiver, Chris Godwin

Right here is the opposite large one and possibly the most important one the Bucs have. Godwin was having a unbelievable 2024 season earlier than taking place mid-season. Whereas that damage was terrible for Godwin and for Tampa Bay, it might really assist the Bucs possibilities of retaining him. Godwin has had two main accidents in two of the previous 4 seasons and whereas he’s a productive participant, these two accidents will elevate some pink flags for groups in free company.

Nonetheless, Tampa Bay and Godwin are an amazing match, and Godwin has been extremely productive since he was drafted. It will be fairly stunning if the 2 sides didn’t attain an settlement on a contract extension. The Bucs must make Godwin their prime precedence and I’m fairly assured that will get carried out.